Now I only pack the very basics, medication, laptop and chargers toiletries for shaving etc and a few clothes. Anything else I will most likely purchase or won’t need at all. I avoid checking bags, just a small carryon and my backpack.
To me the more important items are travel requirements, road conditions, directions, etc.
By which I mean, thinking ahead and preparing items that give you options in the event of unlikely but possible situations is a very wizard-like thing to do.
If I stay at a hotel instead of an airbnb I will not bring my toiletries.
I’ll ask the front desk and so far 100% of the time the hotels I’ve stayed at will have a shaving kit and a toothbrush and toothpaste.
I don’t live a minimalist lifestyle by any means, but when I travel with family, friends or solo I try to pack as little as possible. Sometimes no carry on, just a small backpack for a quick trip
I dunno, there's a lot of normal stuff I use a hotel isn't going to have.
Hairgel I put a tiny bit in a ziplock bag because insane tsa rules care about the co rained size not the amount inside and I’ve had hair gel containers taken away before. Now I take enough for my trip in a ziplock back and that’s it.
My trips are short, have never brought nail clippers
No skin products. I just use the hotel soap
The backpack should also be small. I find 20 L the ideal size, but your needs may be different. If your backpack is too large, you'll be taking more unnecessary stuff with you everywhere at the destination.
Having luggage lost is such a PITA, especially on short trips. Carry on only. I buy the smallest carry ons I can find so the carry on police at the check in counter don’t make me ever gate check.
Sometimes unavoidable to be sure--you're not carrying on all your camping gear--but I'll make compromises to just have carryon.